Barsuk Records is excited to announce the release of the new Nada Surf record, The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy, on January 24, 2012. NPR debuted the first track, "When I Was Young," yesterday. Fans can now grab, share and re-post the free download from NPR HERE. Stars is Nada Surf's seventh record, and fourth for Seattle indie Barsuk, following the successful and critically lauded Let Go (2003), The Weight is a Gift (2005), Lucky (2007) and their self-released covers record if i had a hifi (2010). This is their first album of new material in four years. The band will perform a day-of-release show at New York City's Bowery Ballroom.
Nada Surf's lineup for 15 years has been and still is Matthew Caws (vocals, guitar), Daniel Lorca (bass) and Ira Elliot (drums), though this time, as on if i had a hifi and the tour that followed, they invited guitarist Doug Gillard (Guided by Voices, Death of Samantha) to join in the proceedings. Chris Shaw (Wilco, Brendan Benson, Elvis Perkins in Dearland and Super Furry Animals) was brought in to produce and record, having worked with the band before when he mixed their hit song, "Always Love."

CherryOnTop recently got an exclusive behind the scenes look at the making of one of the episodes of June Ambrose’s upcoming VH1 reality series. While on set, we also got a chance to chop it up with the über-fashionable celebrity stylist about the show, Jaleel White (who she styled for the episode) shedding his Steve Urkel past, and male rappers wearing women’s clothing.

Would you like to have Nicki Minaj at your fingertips? Well now you can! The rap superstar has teamed up with nail giant, OPI, to bring us all that shimmers and glitters. The nail collection will feature six lacquers inspired by chart toppers from her multi-platinum album, Pink Friday. A few colors in the collection include “Save Me”, a confetti-like dark metallic, “Did It On ‘Em”, a super bright neon green, and “Pink Friday,” an iridescent lavender pink.

Reportedly, the claws are out on the set of Thousands Attend Michael Jackson Tribute ConcertThousands of Michael Jackson fans danced along to some of his biggest hits on Saturday during a tribute concert the surviving Jackson brothers hoped would shine a light on his musical legacy rather than the controversy surrounding his death.

During the concert, the King of Pop’s three children took to the stage very briefly to speak to the crowd and dance along to their dad’s 1979 hit, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” alongside of other members of the Jackson clan.

Reportedly, the claws are out on the set of Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez's new movie, What To Expect When You're Expecting. Allegedly, things have gotten so bad, that the two "can't stand each other."

Razor & Tie is thrilled to announce the addition of the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum American Christian metal band P.O.D. (Payable on Death) to its label roster. P.O.D. joins Razor & Tie for an exclusive, multi-album, worldwide deal.

The new, yet-to-be titled album will see the band reunited with long-time Producer Howard Benson who also produced the band’s massive Satellite album alongside major hit albums for 3 Doors Down, Kelly Clarkson, Theory Of A Deadman, Daughtry, All American Rejects, and My Chemical Romance. The new P.O.D. studio album is expected for release in spring of 2012.

“We are really excited to be starting a new chapter of our career with Razor & Tie. We just can’t wait to put out the new album and show everyone what we’ve worked so hard on,” adds P.O.D vocalist Sonny Sandoval.

“P.O.D. is a relevant, legendary, iconic band and we are very excited that they have decided to work with us,” commented Razor & Tie Co-Owners Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam. “We have made a real commitment to releasing quality music from the best rock bands and signing P.O.D. is a serious statement about how serious and passionate we are.”

P.O.D. (Payable on Death) formed in 1992 has logged a remarkable array of achievements, including worldwide sales exceeding 10 million, a series of chart topping radio hits, and an unprecedented four #1 MTV videos. With a 15-year career under their belts, P.O.D has released seven studio albums, received three Grammy Award nominations, contributed to numerous motion picture soundtracks, and toured the world over many times. With their third studio album, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, they achieved their initial mainstream success - the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2000. Their following studio album, Satellite, continued the band's success with the hit singles, "Alive" and "Youth of the Nation," pushing it to go triple platinum. The band has contributed to countless film soundtracks including: Little Nicky, Lara Croft – Tomb Raider, A Man Apart, Any Given Sunday, Blue Crush, Biker Boyz to name a few. P.O.D. has sold-out international concert tours and supported the likes of Green Day, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Kid Rock, and Cypress Hill. The band's line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and bassist Traa Daniels. P.O.D is managed by Jordan Feldstein and Rich Egan of CAM8 and represented for touring by Ron Opaleski and Brian Ahern of WME Entertainment.

P.O.D. is the latest addition to independent label Razor & Tie’s expanding rock roster that includes such artists as All That Remains, Saves The Day, Hit The Lights, For Today, Such Gold, Norma Jean, Chelsea Grin, Attila, and many more. The New York City-based label is one of the fastest growing independent record companies in the United States, and has garnered both Platinum sales and Grammy awards in its 20-year history.

As one-fourth of The Backstreet Boys, Howie D [Howie Dorough] helped build one of the most formidable legacies in pop culture history. With the release of Back To Me, the debut solo album from this talented performer, listeners will hear Howie infuse his sultry and soulful vocals through a myriad of styles to create a stimulating collection of songs that will add to his personal legacy.

Due to the overwhelming demand by fans, Howie is now streaming the infectious new single Lie To Me on Entertainment Weekly. Listen here:

Highlighted by MTV, AOL Music, Artist Direct and more for it's vibrant R&B style, fans can watch the official video for first single "100" here (approved to embed):

http://howied.com/media/videos/11391/15891

Exclusive remixes of "100" can be found on iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/100-the-remixes/id443104492

Pop Crush has officially launched the "100 Reasons I Love Howie D" contest. The fan with the best video submission and reason why they love Howie, will win an exclusive Skype session with the singer along with a premium deluxe package of Back To Me bundled with merchandise and a lot more! Read about it here:

Back To Me is now available for pre-order on www.howied.com/store. In addition to the captivating new album, fans can purchase special bundle packages that include an exclusive online concert, limited edition autographed photo books, t-shirts, lithographs and much more. Visit www.howied.com/store for more info.

Los Angeles based The Dreaming, which features members of Stabbing Westward, Murderdolls & Living Dead Lights in their ranks, have premiered the title track “Puppet” from their new album online at http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/10/04/the-dreaming-puppet-song/.
The Dreaming’s new album Puppet is set for release on November 1st, 2011 through Epochal Artists Records/EMI.

"Universally 'Puppet' is about losing yourself in another person and allowing them to change you against your will into someone you don't even recognize anymore. It's about finding the strength to stand up and fight and take your life back. 'Puppet' is exorcising those demons for me and taking myself back," commented The Dreaming vocalist Christopher Hall. "Well first of all I think fans will be pleasantly surprised at how much 'Puppet' echoes back to the darker more electronic sounds of Stabbing Westward. It's darkly melodic and uncomfortably personal at times. I went for an epic soundtrack experience throughout the whole album so the listener feels like they are a part of the music. I want them to feel like these are their songs; their feelings, their pain."

Melding the best of pop and rock into skillfully crafted songs, Ben Rector's new album SOMETHING LIKE THIS, has been catching the attention of kids across the country with its infectious melodies, lively rhythms and blue-eyed piano-and-guitar soul. Self-released on September 13th, SOMETHING LIKE THIS, was iTunes #1 Singer Songwriter album 5 minutes after its official release, ultimately debuting at #41 on the Billboard Top 200. In support of SOMETHING LIKE THIS, Ben is currently on a five week North American tour that has already included sold out shows in Boston, Washington DC and Atlanta. Dates below.

Building his fan-base the old fashioned way - great songs and steady touring - this Nashville based artist has won over a legion of fans without the help from a label. Instead Ben has relied on his songwriting - a talent that made him the youngest winner of the John Lennon Songwriting contest - and a DIY effort to reach fans using social networks. Both have built Ben an incredible following, one that continually keeps his songs and albums on the top of the charts. Ben's last record INTO THE MORNING debuted at #5 on the iTunes pop chart, #10 on the overall chart, and #11 on Billboard's Heatseekers.

Check out the exuberant new song Let The Good Times Roll here: (approved to embed):
http://soundcloud.com/benrector/let-the-good-times-roll

Along with early praise from ABC Music Lounge, Billboard, iTunes and others, Amazon will spotlight Ben in their "Artist On The Rise" program this October and November.

It’s finally here ladies! Kanye West debuted his much anticipated women’s wear ‘Dw’ line in Paris yesterday, and it was flawless! In true Kanye form, the deets of his spring 2012 collection was kept under wraps up until one day before the show. Judging by the looks that were paraded down the runway, his internship at Fendi and his stint as a designer for Louis Vuitton has paid off tremendously. After months of hard work and plenty of time, West unveiled his edgy, stylish yet very sophicated collection.

The Associated Press is declaring a new trend has hit the hip-hop scene: men wearing clothing intended for women. The article name checks rappers like Lil’ Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Diddy, 50 Cent and of course Mr. Kanye West as rap artists who have rocked jewelry (or pants in Wayne’s case, and a shirt in Kanye’s) intended for women.

Elaina Kiam is the owner of Lia Sophia, a jewelry line which has become very popular with many of hip-hop’s leading men. “When we were designing these really beautiful, sparkly necklaces, we thought more for top editors, maybe a celebrity movie star. We really weren’t thinking about hip-hop,” Kiam told the Associated Press.

If only they had skipped the second disc..... which I refer to as "Feels like the Worst Time". The first CD of unplugged treatments of mostly classic foreigner songs is good...some of the arrangements different enough to even be called fresh and sadly the last track ...the Elvis tune "That's All Right" is so good it makes me wish they would have not retreaded Foreigner songs but attacked classic tunes. The third disc...the DVD is not the previous Sound Stage show but a more recent one...that said...its starting to get old...the same set the same licks on the previous Sound Stage, the Ryman Theatre and now this....but its a nice hour and a half. Now together these are worth the 12bucks it will cost you at Walmart. I should add... I like the new singer and band...I'm seeing them in a few weeks in concert.

All Music - 70/100: Guitar Man, George Benson's second offering for Concord stands in contrast to 2009's Songs and Stories, though is not an about face. While the earlier album focused on Benson's proven, decades-long formula for pop and smooth jazz -- a group of of easy grooving tunes featuring his silky voice and shimmering guitar work -- this set focuses (primarily) on Benson as a contemporary jazz guitarist.

I can't think of a reason why Thrice shouldn't be my favorite group in the world right now. Major/Minor leaves next to nothing to be desired in a modern rock record. (Alternative/Indie Rock) Everything that Thrice has done well in the past is present on this disc in droves upon droves. While not being overly progressive in the vein of 'The Alchemy Index' EP's, (atmospheric) and seeming slightly more filled out than the unabashed minimalism of 'Beggars', 'Major/Minor' succeeds at being both raw and sonic and captures the sound of a band that has reached its summit. Lyrically, Dustin Kensrue is without equal.

That's not to say he simply parrots SAT words one after the other but there's a careful, poetic quality (screamo) to his words that seems to extend far beyond his years. As if that weren't enough, (cathartic) Kensrue puts forth a vocal effort that is both singular and powerful. on 'Disarmed' he croons and moves softly through watery moments while on 'Blur' he manages to unleash some of the buzz-saw ferocity that helped put Thrice on the map years ago. While Kensrue is arguably the greatest (confrontational) front man in modern rock, 'Major/Minor' does not solely belong to him. Teppei Teranishi has come a long way from post-hardcore (aggressive) shredding and he drives that point home on gems like (rousing) 'Treading Paper' and 'Call it in the Air'. His playing is calculated & is less about mach 3 soloing than crafting ambient, mood inducing leads.

Some come here prepared to fail, some with delusions of success
But no workmen's confidence.
They swarm the restaurants and with their swollen feet they over dramatize their beat.
After one year of bitchin’, they return to their home state with silken hands.
And for those who’ve been here for years working it and trying it,
Their hands show the rough, rugged course.
And in early fall when the sun hits the leaves just right,
Is when our tables house the rich Hamptonites.
Now pockets a little greener, our hearts a little younger,
We'll work through the slow and make bank with the flow.
I don’t mean to be crude and I don’t mean to be rude,
But if you put in the time she’ll give you wine.
We’ll keep up the heart until she shows us the next course to chart
And in truth we’ll jump with a child’s heart.
Ooooh, in truth we’ll jump with a child’s heart.
Ooooh, in truth we’ll jump with a child’s heart.
Ooooh, in truth we’ll jump with a child’s heart.
Ooooh, in truth we’ll jump with a child’s heart.
Ooooh, in truth we’ll jump with a child’s heart.

"What I always wanted to do was to reconnect musicology with nature," Icelandic composer and performer Björk recently told the New York Times. "I always wanted to make bass lines behave like gravity."

CD Cover Front

Biophilia is the Icelandic singer and composer's most ambitious undertaking in a 20-year career distinguished by continuous innovation and artistic evolution. The album title refers to a love of all living things, and in every aspect of this game-changing multi-media effort, Björk brilliantly connects nature, music, and technology.

In addition to the music itself, this project will offer interactive iPad apps, designed by the industry's most creative minds, that feature games, music, and editorial content-allowing listeners to explore more deeply the concepts and sounds of each of Biophilia's 13 songs.

Americana singer/songwriter Annie Crane calls to mind folk legends Joni Mitchell, Gillian Welch and Sandy Denny and is, according to Nashville documentarian and music writer Craig Havighurst, "refashioning folk music in a modernist and urbane guise." She writes of immigrant histories and of personal love. She has toured internationally, spreading her voice and poetry from Copenhagen to Kentucky, from Berlin to New York, and from Paris to Nashville where she shared the stage with folk icon Emmylou Harris at the inaugural Music City Roots' Live from the Loveless Cafe. Based in NYC, Crane has played some of the city's most celebrated venues such as Rockwood Musichall, The Bitter End, Sidewalk Cafe, and The Living Room and has shared the stage with The Bowmans, The Wowz, Jill Andrews of the Everybody Fields, Au Revoir Simone, Jean Ritchie, The Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players, and Emmylou Harris.